Saint Nicholas Church, Belgrade

Saint Nicholas Church, also known as Nikolajevska Church, is a historic Baroque-style church located in the old downtown area of Zemun, Belgrade. The church stands on the site of an older wooden Serbian temple dating back to the 16th century. Its construction began in 1745 and was completed in 1752.

The church is a single-nave building featuring a semi-vaulted apse and a choir stand, all covered by a barrel vault. A two-story belfry with a metal covering is located on the western side. Designed and built in the Baroque style, the church exhibits typical features of Baroque churches found in Vojvodina and along the Military Border in the 18th century. The northern and southern façades are reinforced with buttresses, adding to the structural integrity and visual appeal of the building.

Saint Nicholas Church holds the distinction of being the oldest Orthodox church in old downtown Zemun and the oldest preserved sacred building in the Belgrade area. It is located below the historic Gardoš fortress, anchoring it firmly within the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

The interior of Saint Nicholas Church is notable for its elaborate decorations, which include a high, richly carved iconostasis considered the most beautiful Baroque iconostasis in Serbian art of the time. The iconostasis was created by Aksentije Marković and features icons painted in 1762 by one of Serbia's most renowned iconographers, Dimitrije Bačević. The church also houses mural compositions by Živko Petrović, icons, banners, and other significant historical artifacts that reflect the cultural and economic history of Zemun.

The church's treasury is a repository of many fine icons from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as other precious objects, including relics of Saint Andrew. These items underscore the church's role as a vital custodian of religious and cultural heritage.

In 1867, a fire destroyed the original belfry of the church, which was subsequently rebuilt in 1870. Despite this setback, the church has been meticulously preserved, maintaining its historical and architectural integrity through the centuries.